This thesis is concerned with the development of fold
structures in uniform, well laminated or foliated geological systems.
Such structures include monoclinic and conjugate kink bands, 'box'
folds and chevron folds. These types of structure occur over a
wide range of geological scales in materials or layered systems with
a well developed planar anisotropy.
The thesis is divided into two distinct sections. The
first section (Chapters 1, 2 and 3) is concerned with mechanical
models of fold development in uniform multilayers. Chapter 1
contains a review of previous work in this field and particular
emphasis is placed on the work of M. Biot. The role of mechanical
anisotropy in producing active amplification of folds in uniform,
finely laminated multilayers is discussed.